Gone for Good (We Pray)

While we feel saddened that we couldn't turn the unused portion of Kerstin medications over to some other patient that needs them, we were happy to hold a ceremonial flushing of the meds to mark the occasion.

"No More Meds" Party

We had a surprise party for Kerstin tonight to celebrate her finishing one year of daily maintenance medications. There was cake, balloons, soda, and lots of playing. We would have loved to have everyone attend who was a part of our lives over the past 15 months. We can not give enough thanks to God and all of you that prayed for Kerstin and our family.

The News We Have Been Waiting For...

Dr. G called today to give us the good news: Kerstin's final test results came back negative! Her last dose of maintenance chemo medication is January 24th. So what's next you ask? Kerstin will still have monthly clinic visits with Dr. G for a year (which will include blood draws). Other than that, it's just a matter of keeping a vigilant eye on her health. She will still be immune compromised for a couple of months while her immune system recovers from all the meds.

It feels good, and strange, to be taking the next step in her treatment. Thank you again for all the prayers and support you have given Kerstin and our family.

American Cancer Society Gala

Last night we attended the American Cancer Society's "Celebration of Hope" Gala. Kerstin was one of the special guests of the event. She and another leukemia survivor got to help out with an auction and a raffle. It was somewhat of a formal event and the whole family got to dress up "real fancy like". Kerstin has been fighting a cold and an ear infection, but was well enough to attend. When we told her that she probably wouldn't be able to go because she was sick, she was so disappointed we think it was sheer will power that she was able to suppress her coughing and runny nose for the evening. We all enjoyed the evening and the opportunity to help out another wonderful organization in the fight against cancer.